Press Release

Calling the package an historic investment in Nevada and the nation, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today voted to pass a broad economic stimulus package that will deliver tax relief to 95% of Americans, invest in clean energy and create millions of new jobs nationwide. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed the House on a vote of 246 to 183.

"We are making an historic investment in Nevada and our nation with this recovery package and the result will be new jobs, more clean energy, safer roads and lower taxes for 95% of all Americans. That is why our bill has the strong backing of police, teachers, businesses, seniors and others who all agree we must act now to strengthen America's economy and to help struggling families in these tough times," said Berkley.

"Funding provided in this bill will also help Nevada meet the needs of our State when it comes to Medicaid, education and unemployment assistance. There is also more than $200 million for Nevada roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects. I cannot say this package is the answer to every problem our economy faces, but I am very pleased that it includes vital resources for the Silver State and valuable tax relief for the families and businesses that call Nevada home," Berkley said.

TAX RELIEF

"The Making Work Pay' tax credit will mean more money in the pockets of 950,000 Nevada taxpayers. Under our plan, 95% of all Americans will see a tax savings of up to $400 per individual or $800 per married couple," said Berkley. "Parents with children will also save as a result of enhancements to the child tax credit and earned income tax credit. The bill will also help businesses to quickly recover the costs of new investments, while also providing assistance to companies looking to reduce their debt burdens. Businesses that hire unemployed veterans are also eligible for special tax incentives that will help cover job costs."

CLEAN ENERGY AND GREEN JOBS

"Southern Nevada's solar potential, coupled with our State's geothermal and wind resources, can make Nevada a leader in the use and production of clean energy. Our stimulus plan will create new, green jobs by making critical investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency," said Berkley. "The energy provisions in this bill will give geothermal and other renewable energy projects planned in Nevada the push they need to get underway. Our package also extends the tax credit for energy-efficiency improvements to existing homes through 2010. This will create new employment opportunities while also conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Berkley.

TRANSPORTATION

"Modernizing and expanding our network of roads and highways will keep Valley traffic flowing, while funding for maintenance will increase safety and ensure that bridges and overpasses pose no danger to drivers or their passengers," said Berkley. "The Las Vegas Beltway, I-15 and U.S. 95 are all critical components of the Valley's transportation network. Funding from the stimulus package would be made available for work on this vital network of freeways that serves not only residents and businesses, but also millions of visitors to Las Vegas each year."

EDUCATION

"Education opens the doors to a lifetime of opportunity. That is why our package increases the Pell Grant by $500 -- a move that will aid 20,000 Nevada students -- and why we have increased the higher education tax credit to a maximum of $2,500, which will mean a savings for 32,000 students in Las Vegas and around our State. The package also includes substantial help for states that are faced with slashing education spending from kindergarten all the way to the university level. Providing Nevada and other states with additional funding to help meet the educational needs of their students is a wise investment that will continue to pay enormous dividends for years to come," said Berkley.

UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE"Record numbers of Americans in Las Vegas and across the U.S. are out of work and in need of this assistance to cover basics like food and rent. Our legislation includes important resources that will extend unemployment benefits for out of work Nevadans as they continue to search for new jobs," said Berkley. "And at a time of budget shortfalls in Carson City, it's important to note this additional compensation for unemployed workers comes at no cost to Nevada."